June 8, 2026
ABUJA — Venerable Emmanuel Olorunmola Ajayi, a retired Archdeacon of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has died at the age of 86.
Ajayi, who devoted 41 years to active ministry across several dioceses, served under seven bishops and played a key role in translating Christian liturgy into the Ebira language. He died on June 4, 2026, at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State.
His son, Omeiza Ajayi of Vanguard Newspapers, confirmed the death in a statement on Monday, describing his father as a man who “completed his assignment and went home” after a lifetime of dedicated service.
The late cleric’s ministerial journey began in Lagos and took him through Zambia, Kwara, Ondo and Kogi states. Over the course of his career, he served diverse congregations and communities, earning a reputation for commitment, discipline and consistency in ministry.
